2008 Press Releases
18.03.2008
A new postgraduate course to meet the growing demand for health economics graduates in the public, private and non-profit sectors has been established at UCC.
The MSc Health Economics which commences in September 2008 is aimed at economics graduates who wish to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry, government, research institutes, universities and charitable and non-profit organisations.
Dr Peter Miovic, former senior economist with the World Bank and now an Adjunct Professor of Economics at UCC, explained: "Economics of health has become an increasingly important field around the world. This programme equips students with the theoretical, policy and quantitative skills needed to evaluate the various health treatments and technologies and optimize health outcomes given the budget constraints."
The MSc Health Economics is a one-year taught programme (full-time) or a two-year taught programme (part-time) with a thesis completed over the summer term. Participants of the programme should have achieved a First or Second Class Honours Economics Degree. Since 2002, the Department of Economics has offered an elective module in health economics within their MA/MEconSc programme. Due to the consistently strong demand for this elective, the MSc Health Economics was developed.
On successful completion of this programme, graduates will be proficient in using health economic theory to examine the distinction between public, private and non-profit provision and financing of health care systems. Graduates will also be trained in the application of health care economic evaluation techniques to health technologies, such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostic and surgical procedures. Participants will also acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to analyse current issues at a national and international level and to evaluate policy choices, and their political implications, in health and health care. On completion of the course, graduates will submit a thesis, of a publishable standard, in health economics.
The Department of Economics at UCC is one of the largest departments in UCC. It currently focuses its teaching and research around three strategic economic areas: Health and Evaluation Economics, Financial Economics and Business Economics. The Health Economics Group includes ten members with expertise in the area of research and teaching.
The closing date for completed applications is the 1st June 2008 and applications can be submitted on-line via www.ucc.ie/apply
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